porce ‧ lain /ˈpɔːslən, ˈpɔːslɪn $ ˈpɔːrs ə lən/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: French ; Origin: porcelaine , from Italian porcellana 'type of shell, porcelain' ]
1 . a hard shiny white substance that is used for making expensive plates, cups etc ⇨ china :
a porcelain vase
2 . plates, cups etc made of this ⇨ china